The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we journey around town. Currently, a face covering is required to enter any public indoor space in Collingwood. This includes the grocery store, community centre, library, church, hair salon, etc. All individuals ages five years or older are required to wear a mask, except those whose health, culture, or religious reasons would prevent them from doing so.
For many Collingwood families, this can be a challenge, particularly if you have younger children. To make heading out of your house a little easier, here are a few tips to help your family wear masks around Collingwood.
Provide Lots of Fun Options
Face coverings can be fun to wear if there are fun and colourful options available. If you can sew, take your family members to the local craft store and let them choose their own mask materials. There are also many patterns, colors, and styles available to purchase online if you don’t have the time or talents to make your own.
Remember that a face covering does not have to be a mask. According to the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, a face covering is a medical or non-medical mask, bandana, or scarf. However, it must cover the nose, mouth, and chin.
Practice Wearing Masks at Home
It is common for children, teens, and even adults to constantly touch and play with their masks. To reduce the constant touches and to make wearing masks more effective, practice wearing masks at home. For young children, you could set a rule that they must wear a mask when watching TV or when using a mobile device. Start small by requiring just a few minutes a day and gradually increase the time you’d like them to practice wearing the mask in your house.
Attach a Lanyard
It is easy to set a mask down and forget about it. To help you and your family members keep better track of their masks, attach a lanyard to it. When they are done wearing the mask, they can pull the face covering off and let it hang around their neck. Then, when they need it, it is within reach and easy to access.
Make Sure Your Family Members Understand Why it is Important
For young children in particular, suddenly wearing masks may seem confusing and a little scary. Sit down as a family and discuss the importance of wearing a mask in public spaces around Collingwood. Explain why it is recommended and how face coverings protect ourselves and others from germs. You can back this conversation up with facts and news articles when discussing with teenagers and other adults.
Be an Example!
If you want your family members to wear masks while they are spending time in Collingwood, it is important that you do the same. Your family members will learn best from your example as they are constantly watching and listening to what you say and do. Even if you have diverse opinions on masks, it is best to avoid expressing your feelings when young children and teenagers are around.